The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is set to launch advocacy programmes as part of National Water Month, aligning with the global commemoration of World Water Day, with a specific focus on addressing water challenges in South Africa.
Initiating today, the DWS aims to amplify efforts towards ensuring water security and accessibility, especially in regions grappling with water scarcity. World Water Day, observed annually on March 22nd, serves as a pivotal platform under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) to spotlight the pressing global water crisis. This year’s theme, ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’, underscores the significance of water as a catalyst for cooperation and underscores the need for equitable water management to prevent conflicts over this vital resource.
The department emphasizes the critical importance of freshwater conservation and sustainable management practices, particularly in regions where water resources are under strain. With 2.2 billion people worldwide lacking access to safe water, the global community is urged to commit to long-term solutions, aiming to ensure universal access to safe water by 2030 while safeguarding environmental integrity.
In line with the overarching theme of leveraging water for peace, the DWS will use National Water Month as an opportunity to reflect on its mandate and strategize responses to existing challenges. With a particular focus on bridging the projected water deficit, the department is committed to implementing initiatives that promote water conservation, equitable access, and responsible usage.
A key highlight of this year’s National Water Month is the ministerial launch of the Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately-owned land. Scheduled in KwaZulu-Natal, this initiative seeks to streamline the provision and regulation of sustainable water services to residents residing on privately-owned properties. Minister Senzo Mchunu aims to foster unity and simplicity in water service delivery, ensuring equitable access for all citizens.
Additionally, Minister Mchunu will embark on a visit to Limpopo to evaluate progress on the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme, a project poised to benefit 24 villages. Accelerating the project’s momentum, efforts include optimizing water treatment works and expanding project scope to encompass 55 villages, supported by funds allocated for infrastructure enhancement.
Furthermore, Minister Mchunu will convene with counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to amend the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) agreement. This collaborative endeavor aims to formalize the establishment of the LIMCOM Council of Ministers, enhancing policy formulation and decision-making concerning transboundary water resource management in the Limpopo River Basin.
Amid these strategic initiatives, the DWS urges all South Africans to play an active role in water conservation and management. Emphasizing the nation’s water scarcity, with an average annual rainfall of 470mm compared to the global average of 814mm, the department underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable water practices.
As National Water Month unfolds, the DWS remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing water challenges, fostering cooperation, and ensuring water security for all South Africans. Through collective action and responsible stewardship, the nation can forge a sustainable water future, safeguarding this precious resource for generations to come.
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